Sustainable sewing means a lot of different things to a lot of people. It’s a relatively new and ever changing frontier. That being said, there are many things we can do to make our sewing more sustainable, and here are ten of them (in no particular order).
1. Use Recycled Materials When Possible.
Yeah, recycled fabric can be expensive, but even if your budget is lean you can still go green through thrifting. Though thrifting has soared in popularity during the past few years, it’s still possible to find some neat garments to wear, or up-style. Pro tip – did you know that thrift stores receive a lot of clothing that is deemed “unsellable” and never makes it to the front of the store? Ask the staff if they have any damaged clothing they can sell you at a discount – if you’re planning on creating something completely new, a little burn mark on a sleeve shouldn’t dissuade you from an stellar print.
Also, think beyond your fabric. There are many other ways items that you can find recycled versions of, including thread and elastic materials. You can also go even bigger and purchase used machines and equipment. I myself had been stalking a serger online for almost a year and met a lovely woman selling her pre-loved machine. It was the exact model that I wanted. (Sending all my love to Miss Dena!). But, you’ll hear more about my machines at a later date.
2. Find Your Signature Style and Stick to It.
I know, I know. It’s hard to figure out your personal style in a world of fast fashion where trends change on a weekly basis, but it isn’t as hard as it seems. We tend to be drawn to familiar styles repeatedly. If you are anything like the old me, you’ve looked in your closet and have been surprised to find three similar shirts in a very similar colors. There are many methods of figuring out your personal style, but what matters is creating a wardrobe of a cohesive style crates a closet where most pieces work well together. Creating too many outliers will result in clothing that just sits in your closet collecting dust.
My style is a combination of classic, bohemian, and chic/girly. Knowing this helps me define my aesthetic, and surprisingly doesn’t make me feel at all limited in my creativity. If anything, it actually increases it.
For example, if I was a combination of classic and artsy, I would likely focus my structure on classic pieces, but utilize bold artsy prints. Talk about unique – I imagine that combination isn’t exactly easy to come by!
But if I wanted to make something that falls outside of my norm to experiment with a new technique, I would consider making it as a gift for a loved one that would actually wear it. I’m focused on creating a wardrobe for the life that I live, and am avoiding pieces for the dream occasion that isn’t on my calendar.
3. Reduce Airfare Whenever Possible.
If you are purchasing fabric online, consider buying fabric manufactured in your country (or smaller geographic area) if possible to reduce your carbon footprint. Instagram is always showing me fabrics from South Korea for some reason, and I admit it’s hard not to fall down the rabbit hole of colors and textures. But I persist.
You can also decrease your carbon footprint when shopping in store by checking the manufacturing location of fabrics prior to purchase. It’s usually printed right on the bolt. Though it’s typically limited to the county of origin, it’s still something!
4. Pay Attention to Fabric Care Requirements.
Many people note the fabric care requirements of their ready to wear clothing, but I notice that there is much less talk about the care requirements of fabric. You can often find this information prior to purchase as well, and also- don’t buy fabric that says “dry clean only” if you’re going to throw it in your washing machine. Improper washing leads to fabric breakdown, which decreases the longevity of your creation.
5. Green Dry Cleaning.
Speaking of dry cleaners – did you know that dry cleaning uses a solution called perchloroethylene (often called perc for short) that is a known carcinogen and has negative environmental impacts? I recommend looking into green dry cleaning methods to maintain your “dry clean only” garments.
6. Don’t Be a Lazy Sewist.
Follow directions that will improve fit or will make clothing last longer. This includes pre-washing your fabric to avoid shrinkage, basting, under-stitching, pressing, and all of the other steps that will help you create a quality garment. I know they aren’t the “fun part”, but you’ll thank me later.
7. Buy The Best Quality Fabric You Can Afford
I know- I know. Organic fabric can be expensive AF, but consider deadstock fabric, which is the fabric left over from production in textile mills and garment factories. Surplus fabric or fabric that is accidentally dyed the wrong shade of blue used to be destroyed or sent to landfill, but are now sold to distributors who sell the high quality fabric at a discounted rate. In America alone, over 11 million tons of textiles are sent to landfills annually, but by purchasing deadstock fabric we can help that number decrease.
My current favorite source of deadstock fabric is FABSCRAP. This Queens, New York based company works with several designers in New York City and has two brick and mortar locations in addition to their online shop. Going to New York soon? Volunteer to help sort their fabric to receive free fabric in return!
If you are nowhere near New York, look for deadstock fabric in your area. You might be surprised by what you find. The only con to deadstock fabric is that quantity is limited. So when you don’t buy that gorgeous faux fur for that dream jacket you wanted to make, don’t be surprised if that fur is gone and you can’t find it anywhere. (Trust me, I know from experience.)
8. Mend, alter or restyle clothing you already own.
The most sustainable clothing you own is already in your closet, so before you take that old dress to the thrift store, (because we don’t throw anything away, right peeps?) see if it can be mended, or transformed into something else so you can continue to give the fabric some love.
9. Research fabrics before purchasing.
Understand how it’s made, and what that means for both it’s environmental impact, ease of sewing, and product longevity. Knowledge is power, homie.
10. Do What You Can Do To Make An Impact.
Do what you can do, no matter how large or small you believe the impact is. I’ve made the goal of removing fast fashion from my life for a whole year, but I’m extra. (Hella extra, in fact). And because my wardrobe is kinda bare, that means I have a lot to sew. (Cue mind-numbing anxiety.) But if that’s not your goal, that’s okay. There are still many smaller changes you can make to positively impact the world. Do you. If you sew one garment in a year, and you take care of the items you currently own, you’re still making a positive impact.
So, here are ten ways you can be a more sustainable sewist. I’m sure that there are many methods or strategies that I haven’t thought of. Feel free to leave them in the comments below. Together, lets keep growing.
Nature's Lovechild 